Three firefighters were injured in an explosion at a mental health center in Nashua.
Firefighters who were called about an odor of gas heard a hissing sound, and called for additional crews. Moments later, a blast occurred causing heavy fire throughout the structure.
"A Mayday was transmitted once the explosion took place," Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton told WBZ.
The firefighters were taken to a hospital for treatment. One was released Monday night, while the others were going to be held overnight. No civilians were injured.
"This was a four-alarm fire which is pretty significant for the city. That brings all of our resources to the scene," the chief said.
The blast rattled the homes and buildings of people living and working nearby.
"Obviously all the elements causes us to work a little slower, have to work a little harder. They had to overcome a couple of dead hydrants to establish a water supply. We needed a large amount of water to put the fire out."
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Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.